One or more of the methods listed in this section may provide the labor studies participant a means of receiving Indiana University credit without taking conventional classroom-based courses. This allows accelerated progress toward a labor studies degree. With prior approval, a maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate-level course work can be applied to the Bachelor of General Studies degree. The application of more than 6 graduate credit hours must have the dean's approval.

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) has tests available in a variety of subject areas. Students whose scores exceed a certain level on tests accepted by Indiana University receive credit (3 credit hours for most exams). CLEP brochures are available at Division of Labor Studies offices.

Students who do not have access to an Indiana University campus may take courses through Independent Study by correspondence. Campus-based students may also complete degree requirements through correspondence study.

The Indiana University Independent Study Program offers more than 200 university-level correspondence courses. Students enrolling in independent study courses receive a learning guide that contains reading assignments for the required textbooks, discussion sections, and written assignments. Lessons are sent to an instructor, who comments on and grades student work. Most courses have one or more examinations, which must be taken under supervision at an accredited school. Students are allowed one year to complete a course.

External labor studies participants should request course listings and enrollment forms from the Bloomington office. This office advises and maintains academic records for all persons not based on an Indiana University campus.

Depending on the length and type of training received, students may receive up to 6 credit hours based on military service. Additional credit may be awarded for special training programs in the military. This credit can be applied only as elective credit for the labor studies degrees. To apply, participants should present their DD-214 form and, if applicable, training completion certificates to the Division of Labor Studies office.

Upon successful completion of 12 credit hours in labor studies, participants may apply for up to 15 hours of self-acquired competency (SAC) credit to go toward the Associate of Science degree and up to 30 (including any applied to the associate degree) toward the Bachelor of Science degree. SAC credit can be awarded for learning gained outside the university and may be based on a wide variety of experiences. Labor studies students can apply for SAC credit on the basis of learning derived from their union activities.

Self-acquired competency refers to learning, or competency, that can be documented. SAC credit is not granted simply for "time served." Thus, it is not granted on the basis of the number of terms served as a union officer. Nor is it multiplied by the number of times the same experience has been repeated. A secretary-treasurer who has performed the same functions for four terms is not likely to receive significantly more credit than one who has performed the same functions, and has learned as much, from one or two terms.

SAC credit is of two types: (1) Course-specific credit is granted where the applicant's competency is substantially equivalent to the competency that is expected after completion of an Indiana University course. Credit for the specific course is awarded. (2) General credit is granted for competency that is not the exact equivalent of competency gained from completing a specific IU course but is nevertheless the equivalent of college learning.

This is the only form of SAC credit available outside of the Division of Labor Studies.

Tuition for SAC credit is the same as for Independent Study courses.

In general, the following procedures and limitations govern the awarding of credit for self-acquired competency:

A student must be admitted to the Labor Studies Program, have successfully completed 12 credit hours in Labor Studies, and be in good standing before any credit for self-acquired competency is awarded.

A maximum of 15 credit hours of self-acquired competency credit may be applied to the Associate of Science in Labor Studies and a maximum of 30 hours of credit to the Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies.

How to Apply
The process of building a SAC portfolio is time-consuming. It begins with the development of a resume and the listing of experiences that may have led to college-level competency. The portfolio is then organized and phrased to demonstrate the connection to specific labor studies courses or to general areas of knowledge in labor studies. Finally, appropriate documentation is added.

Each portfolio is evaluated by two members of the Division of Labor Studies faculty, who also interview the applicant. Supplementary materials and counseling are available from labor studies faculty on campuses offering the program. Students applying for SAC credit may be required to come to an Indiana University campus for an interview as part of the SAC evaluation.

Self-acquired competency credit awarded by the faculty of one Indiana University campus is recorded and explained on the student's permanent record. Such credit will be honored, therefore, on any other Indiana University campus to which the student may transfer in order to complete the associate or bachelor's degree in labor studies. The student should be aware, however, that such credit will not necessarily be honored by other degree programs of Indiana University or by other institutions.